Transcript for Petraeus' Fall from Grace; Details of the Extramarital Affair

muir who brings us the personal story of the general and his wife. Reporter: David petraeus was in many respects the public face of the wars. The highly decorated general often appearing before congress, one of the masterminds behind the surge in iraq that ultimately helped bring the war to a close. He thent went to afghanistan, and then the call to head the cia. Diane, with the general as he prepared to return. Are you ready to come back? Ready for the cia? Well, I feel very fortunate to have been provided such an opportunity to continue to serve and to contribute, if confirmed. Reporter: Taking over the cia last year, his wife holly looking on. Married 38 years to his wife holly, petraeus met her before graduating from west point. She was from a long line of army royalty. Her great great grandfather fighting in the civil war. Her own father a retired four-star general. Petraeus last year speaking of the young woman he met at west point. I also met the woman who would become my wife. Indeed, the best decision I ever made was replying, "sure, happy to do it," when asked if I would escort a visiting coed to a weekend football game. I'll never be able to adequately express my love and appreciation for all that she has done but i can say here, this morning, thanks, holl. I love you. Reporter: Over their nearly four decades together the family moved 24 times following petraeus' career. Holly raising two children. And if petraeus was celebrated for military discipline, for holly, it was devotion. Often there, as troops came home, hugging soldiers as if they were family. She now holds a federal role, helping returning service members find financial security and fight off banks that prey on them while they're away. I'm also a long-time military spouse. Reporter: Army wives have said "she's one of us." Just this year, she spoke about her favorite poem, and it's premise. Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. Reporter: Holly petraeus' chosen words there. "Newsweek" publishing a list of general david petraeus' roles for living on the daily beast website. Number five, we will all make mistakes. The key to recognizing them and admitting them and to learn from them and take off the rear view mirror, drive on, avoid making them again. Loyal soldiers have read all of them. Thank you, david.

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